Article Summary
Lima’s equatorial climate is consistently mild, providing an ideal environment for children to engage in outdoor activities in parks and at the beach.
International visitors frequently commence their journeys in Lima, making it beneficial to spend a few days exploring the city, especially for those recovering from jet lag ahead of venturing to more elevated destinations. Utilize this guide to curate an optimal family itinerary filled with engaging activities for children in Lima.
Is Lima Good for Kids?
Lima features parks, plazas, and a unique double coastline, creating excellent outdoor spaces for children to enjoy. Perched on the city’s bluffs, the malecón (boardwalk) connects various parks with playgrounds, art, and gardens, all offering breathtaking views down to the beaches below. These locations are frequented by Lima families, providing ample opportunities for your children to engage with local peers.
Cliffs adorned with ivy delineate the malecón from the beach, with limited access points to descend to the coast. One of the notable activities for families is a beach day. The extensive coastline extends for 20km (12 miles) from La Punta in Callao to Playa Agua Dulce in Chorrillos.
It is advisable to use a taxi from your accommodation; however, ascertain which beach you intend to visit beforehand, as one-way coastal routes complicate navigation.
Navigating Lima can be challenging due to notorious traffic congestion and unpredictable public transportation. It is wise to rely on taxis for most transportation needs, particularly if you are accompanied by car seats or strollers.
To avoid traffic altogether, select a neighborhood that offers sufficient activities for your children and locate accommodations within walking distance of key attractions.
Note that pedestrians lack the right of way in Peru. It is essential to be cautious and not assume that vehicles will stop for you or your family, even in marked crossings.
While renting apartments through platforms such as Airbnb is commonplace, consider the benefits of choosing a hotel with concierge services. They can provide transportation assistance and local recommendations, reducing your reliance on taxis for every outing.
Best Lima Neighborhoods for Kids
The coast features myriad outdoor activities, both in the parks along the cliffs and at the beaches below. Several museums offer exhibits aimed at children, along with outside spaces for kids to explore.
Miraflores, San Isidro, and Barranco are regarded as the safest neighborhoods, boasting high-quality accommodation and walkable environments. While the beach and central Lima necessitate taxi rides, they are well worth navigating through traffic.
The popular stretch of the malecón in Miraflores spans 5km (3 miles) and links with San Isidro in the north and Barranco in the south. Each neighborhood possesses its own unique charm, featuring whimsical sculptures, murals, and art installations that invite interactive exploration by children.
Best Things to Do in Lima with Babies and Toddlers
Spend a Day at the malecón
The paved and gravel paths in this area are suitable for strollers and young children just beginning to walk. Begin your visit at the Parque de Amor, where children can enjoy the winding benches reminiscent of Park Güell in Barcelona. Adults can appreciate the mosaic art and multilingual quotes celebrating love.
Proceed north through the gardens to Parque Chino, which honors the cultural contributions of Lima’s Chinese immigrants. Young children will be enamored by the imaginative ponds, bridge, and pagoda, while adults can enjoy the tranquil fountains and picturesque views of the coastline.
Enjoy the Tranquility of San Isidro’s Bosque El Olivar
The expansive park of Bosque El Olivar spans over five city blocks from north to south, featuring a central pond and ample stroller-friendly pathways framed by ancient olive trees. For indoor activities, visit San Isidro’s municipal children’s library, which operates weekdays from 8am to 5pm.
Play in the Fountains at Circuito Mágico de las Aguas
If your toddler enjoys playing outdoors with peers, the park Circuito Mágico de las Aguas is the perfect destination for making new friends. It features a dozen different fountains, several specifically designed for interactive play. Of these, Fuente de los Niños is particularly suitable for toddlers due to its lack of trip hazards.
The park’s nighttime light spectacles are what enhance its popularity among locals. Sunset occurs just after 6pm for most of the year, allowing your children to enjoy the colorful displays without staying up excessively late.
Indulge in a Sweet Treat at Blu Gelateria in Barranco
This gelato shop is beloved by patrons of all ages for its inventive flavors and generous samples. Blu is particularly accommodating for young children who may have not yet been introduced to cow’s milk or other potential allergens prevalent in standard ice cream shops.
For a tour of Barranco’s ice cream offerings, follow up with nearby Crem dela Crem and Heladería Speciale. All three establishments are situated within a few blocks of Parque Federico Villarreal, featuring wide sidewalks ideal for strollers.
Best Things to Do in Lima with School-Age Kids
Visit the Resident Cats of Parque Kennedy
Parque Kennedy is a well-known location in Lima for observing cats lounging in the blossoms, climbing trees, and posing for photographs. Local residents often bring cat food for the inhabitants, creating an additional spectacle. Adjacent to this park, Parque 7 Junio features an antiques market, a sunken amphitheater where locals often dance, and a space frequently alive with rap performances and open-mic events.
Hang Out on Lima’s Best Beaches
Waikiki – named after its famous namesake in Hawai’i, though it bears no resemblance to the Pacific island – and Makaha are the most frequented beaches in Lima, offering surf lessons for all ages as well as a lively pier at Waikiki.
Both beaches are lined with pebbles at the water’s edge; however, the city provides sand for the areas above, where chairs and umbrellas are available for rent.
It is advisable to bring protective footwear for children to avoid injury from the rocky shore, and exercise caution as the water can be quite chilly, influenced by the Humboldt current which flows from the south, making it possible to spot penguins in Peru.
Go for a Scavenger Hunt at Parque Federico Villarreal
Parque Federico Villarreal features imaginative murals and sculptures for children to explore. Keep them engaged with a scavenger hunt to locate the giant ant emerging from flower beds, three metal vulture heads amidst a sea of stones, the mural depicting a tropical bird within a heart-shaped face, and many more artistic creations along the cobblestone Calle La Ermita.
This street is lined with trees and is closed to vehicular traffic, providing a secure environment for children to run freely. Spanning over Calle La Ermita is the historic wooden bridge, Puente de los Suspiros.
Visit Museo de Arte de Lima (MALI)
The Museo de Arte de Lima (MALI) is surrounded by parks featuring ponds, fountains, and sculptures. Should you be in Lima for an extended period, be sure to check the museum’s schedule for workshops that feature enjoyable, hands-on activities tailored for children aged five to eight, or those aged nine to twelve.
New classes start the first week of every month and are structured as a series of four classes, although enrollment for individual sessions is permitted.
Stop by Plaza de Armas to Relax with Locals
The oldest and most historically significant plaza in the city, Plaza de Armas is another communal hotspot for Lima families. Every day throughout the year, one can discover a vibrant carnival atmosphere, with vendors selling balloons, toys, cotton candy, and various treats. Allow your children to interact with the local children who gather in the plaza during the afternoons.
This location is centrally situated, making it a practical addition to your itinerary if you are already nearby; however, it may not warrant a special trip given the lengthy taxi ride from Miraflores or Barranco.
Best Things to Do in Lima with Tweens and Teenagers
Cycle the Coast to Salto del Fraile
Numerous tour companies, such as Intrepid and Green Bike Peru, offer guided cycling tours, typically departing from Miraflores and continuing south along the coastal path to the stunning natural stone bridge, Salto del Fraile.
Here, local performers often leap into the crashing waves below. According to local lore, a young monk named Francisco jumped in 1860 and did not survive the plunge.
Today’s reenactors always ascend the cliffs to receive applause and gratuities from spectators. It is crucial to book through licensed tour agencies, which provide trained guides, well-maintained bicycles, and safety helmets.
Watch Cultural Performances in Plaza San Martín
This historic plaza is dedicated to José de San Martín, who played a key role in the independence of Argentina from Spain and contributed to the liberation of Peru and Chile.
Every weekend, the square comes alive with dance troupes and live music, showcasing a variety of cultural expressions from across Peru. Expect to encounter everything from formal marching bands to groups dressed as Amazonian tribes performing to traditional flutes and drums. Cultural events also occur during weekday holidays, so it’s beneficial to check the calendar while visiting Lima.
Eat Peruvian Chinese Food
Lima’s Chinatown, though limited to just a block, is a go-to destination following Parque Chino on the coast for those wanting to explore the legacy of Chinese immigrants in Peru.
Those who have traveled to China or other Chinatowns will notice several unique Peruvian adaptations in the cuisine. Look specifically for quinoa chaufa, which is a Peruvian twist on traditional Chinese fried rice. Additionally, keep an eye out for restaurants serving guinea pig, which holds cultural significance as a culinary link between contemporary Peru and ancient Incan traditions.
Hike the Paths through Lomas de Mangomarca
This surprisingly verdant park captures coastal fog, contributing to the distinct gray atmosphere of Lima. Teens interested in hiking can enjoy the park’s unique rock formations and paths dotted with ancient petroglyphs and pictographs.
On clear days, this park offers the best vantage points to appreciate the expansive views of Lima and the Pacific Ocean. Some trails cater to mountain biking, making it advisable to consult licensed tour agencies for bike rentals or guided biking excursions.
Explore the Collection of Ancient Ceramics and Gold at Museo Larco
Tweens and teens who typically may not favor museums might find themselves captivated by Museo Larco, which houses an extensive collection of Moche ceramics, some dating back 2000 years. Look for pieces representing potatoes and corn, alongside cat and llama figurines, and admire the gold exhibit that highlights the plundered riches of the colonial era.
An erotic gallery exists separate from the primary museum displays, showcasing ceramics that portray sexuality from Moche culture, which can easily be bypassed if accompanying younger audiences.
Planning Tips for Travel with Kids in Lima
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Minimize travel frustrations in Lima’s notorious traffic by scheduling most activities within the neighborhood where you are staying. Plan only one destination requiring a taxi every two or three days to limit lengthy commutes and navigate Lima’s erratic driving conditions.
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If you are pregnant or traveling with infants or young children, look for priority lines at grocery stores and officialvenues like airport security and immigration. Many places in Peru support individuals with small children using the same lines designated for those with disabilities.
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Bring hats and sunscreen to protect against equatorial sun exposure. Even on overcast days, children are at risk of sunburn due to Peru’s intense UV radiation.
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Consider using filtered water bottles to avoid purchasing bottled water. Peru lacks effective recycling systems, and unfiltered tap water is not safe for consumption.
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For safety reasons, exclusively use official taxis or Uber services. Request your hotel to provide reliable taxi driver recommendations for additional safety.
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Remain vigilant for pickpockets even in the safer neighborhoods of Miraflores, Barranco, and San Isidro. Ensure your children do not display your phone excessively as this makes them easy targets for theft.
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Stay informed about any demonstrations if planning to visit the downtown area, particularly for Plaza de Armas, Plaza San Martín, or Chinatown, as police may shut down these zones during protests, leading to traffic difficulties in surrounding areas.
